FLORENCE — Randolph Rose Jr., the accused “middle finger shooter,” formally waived extradition in court today and was granted permission to travel out of Arizona while he awaits trial. 

Rose, a U.S. military veteran according to court records, is accused of shooting another driver in the hand during a road-rage incident April 23. The incident was reported at 3:47 a.m. on State Route 347. 

Rose, a resident of Senita, is charged with three felonies, including drive-by shooting. The indictment was filed April 28. He was arraigned four days later.  

During today’s hearing before Pinal County Superior Judge Jason Holmberg, Rose, 41, asked permission to travel for work and personal reasons. The court approved travel from today through Friday in Virginia, June 23 to July 3 in Cincinnati, and July 7 to 18 in Denver. 

A defense attorney with Craig Rosenstein’s Scottsdale law firm explained to the court that ongoing case negotiations had been delayed due to a change in prosecuting attorneys. She said that the defense plans to provide new information not yet reviewed by the state, which may affect the outcome of plea discussions. 

The judge plans to set a trial at the next hearing Aug. 18. Prosecutors and defense attorneys may reach a plea bargain by then. 

A defense motion to modify Rose’s release conditions was denied today. The motion sought to convert his bond to a release on his own recognizance to free up a bond lien on his home. 

“Yeah, I think with all the requests that are going on in this case, I am going to keep the bond in place,” said Judge Holmberg. 

Rose said he had recently lost a job opportunity following media coverage of the case and emphasized that his upcoming travels were essential for organizing new employment. The court reiterated the importance of Rose appearing at all scheduled hearings, regardless of his desire to seek a job. 

After the hearing, asked about his defense, Rose declined comment.  

“Talk to my lawyer, buddy, if you have any questions,” he told InMaricopa.